MASTERS IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN (4+1)

For this project, I had to understand the factors of thermal comfort to design a bus stop that would be comfortable for people to wait in. This required researching the physical elements that affected thermal comfort such as, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. At times the weather can be unpredictable so it was crucial that the design utilized materials that were appropriate in determining its resilience against the elements.

Eastwick Community Garden

Address: Bartram & Island Avenues

Philadelphia, Pa. 19153

The design intent for Eastwick’s Community Garden is to introduce an endangered species that will help balance the existing ecosystem. The southern leopard frog will be the flagship species and will require a small area of the garden to thrive. The proposed area is centrally located in the northwestern section of the garden to allow enough space between the habitat and vehicular disturbances. The area measures to about 1150 sq ft. of which 175sq. ft. will be reserved for a frog bog. The design of the frog bog will provide the requirements needed to achieve a certified wildlife habitat. For southern leopard frogs, the environment needs to be about 70% shaded and wet. An assortment of vegetation is also necessary to attract their food source, which is mostly algae and insects. Like any living thing, frogs need a safe area to hide from predators and reproduce. 

GUILDING PRINCIPLES:

•Optimize the use of sustainable agricultural practices that will result in predictable and healthy food advantages.

•Provide basic food necessities to families that are vulnerable to devastating events.

•Ensure the possibility that food can be accessible and affordable to all no matter their economic or social status.

•Revitalize historical significance of area while creating a vision for the ‘future of agriculture’.

•Stimulate an interest in agriculture so that students can understand the value of growing their own food.

PROJECT GOALS:

•Increase soil organic matter, biodiversity, and water retention by 95%.

•One Net-Zero Building

•Stabilize farm yields to feed the community within a 10-mile radius.

•Reduce food waste by 95%.

•Express a welcoming and nurturing environment that promotes inclusivity and awareness.

•Mitigate obesity and asthma cases by 50%.

•Provide an educational experience for children and families about food science and nutrition.

STRATEGIES:

•Green Stormwater management

•Photovoltaics

•Data collection technology

•Local materials and resources

•Promote closed loop systems-

•Aquaponics, Recycling (composting)

•Native landscaping and biodiversity

•Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

•Drone delivery system

Universal design

Language translation graphics

Community food programs

Volunteer opportunities

Instill biophilic elements- pleasant sights and sounds

Farm to table café attraction

Student workshops and events 

Hands on learning demonstrations

School partnerships

Online market